Debating between carpet vs. hardwood? Here's how to choose which flooring type is best suited for your home.
While there are plenty of incredible flooring options available these days, carpet and hardwood still seem to lead the pack. If you're currently dealing with the battle of carpet vs hardwood, how do you know which one to choose?
Read on to learn more about some of the benefits and drawbacks of these types of flooring to help you determine which one is best for your home and lifestyle.
Which Flooring is Best on a Budget?
The amount of money that you plan to spend on your new flooring can depend on several factors, including whether or not you're getting ready to sell your home. Between the two flooring types, price is a major factor.
In terms of cost, hardwood flooring is one of the most expensive options you can choose for your home. Since it's made from a natural product, it costs more to obtain and manufacture.
Special woods like reclaimed wood or rare species might also contribute to additional costs.
If you need something a little bit more budget-friendly, of the two, carpet is most often the way to go.
Carpet vs Hardwood: Aesthetics
Most people are concerned about the way their new flooring looks, which is why it's important to look at these two materials closely. Hardwood offers a high-end appearance and tends to be a more luxurious material for your home.
The hard surface flooring trend is still hot, which can also explain the popularity of hardwood floors. Wood gives your home a classic look and it can also exude the rustic or farmhouse look which is currently on-trend.
You can choose from a variety of finishes for hardwood floors to create a myriad of different looks for the home. From dark walnut or cherry to whitewash and gray, this flooring makes it easy to create your own custom touch.
Alternatively, carpet tends to give any space a cozy, inviting look and feel. Many people prefer this soft flooring in bedrooms where you want to step onto a soft, warm floor in the morning.Although hardwood can be stained or finished in a variety of colors, carpet tends to give you a lot more options. This flooring can be produced in almost any color or pattern you can imagine, giving you a lot more freedom when it comes to design.
Carpet is available in a variety of pile heights as well. From plush and shag to Berber, you can find carpet in varying levels of quality as well as patterns to create a more luxe aesthetic in the home.
Maintenance: Which Flooring Wins?
If you have a busy lifestyle, you're probably looking for flooring that's easy to clean and maintain. Both carpet and hardwood have their own set of pros and cons in this department.
You can maintain hardwood floors on a weekly basis since it typically does not require deep cleaning in the way that carpet does. Try to avoid applying liquid floor cleaners to your hardwood since this could cause the wood to become warped or damaged.
It's much easier to see dirt, dust, and spills on a hardwood floor since carpet tends to hide these flaws. This means you should have an easier time keeping hardwood floors clean since you can fix and maintain issues right away. Sweep your hardwood floors a few times per week to keep them looking new.
Carpet Maintenance
When considering carpet maintenance, remember that this material can attract and hold onto all kinds of things from dust and pollen to dirt and liquids. When carpet holds onto allergens, it can also make symptoms for allergy sufferers worse.
Since it's more difficult to see issues right away if you have carpet, this flooring tends to suffer in high-traffic areas of the home. To prevent this, vacuum your carpet at least once a week and steam clean or shampoo your carpets at least once per year.
Although you might have to work harder to keep carpeted floors clean, hardwood does require additional maintenance. Over time, the finish of your hardwood can wear off and you'll need to apply a new layer of sealant to protect it.
Think about your lifestyle and how important maintenance and care is to you before you decide. Some people don't mind vacuuming, while others dislike the fact that hardwood may show every speck of dust.
Choose Your New Floors Wisely
Whether you prefer the luxe look of hardwood or the comfort of carpet, both of these materials offer their own unique set of pros and cons. Think about which features are most important to you while you are considering your decision.
Each flooring type comes in a myriad of colors or finishes to choose from, making them both a versatile choice. If cost is a major concern, choosing a new carpet may be the better option. For a more timeless look and feel, you'll likely want to go with hardwood.
To explore our selection of the latest in beautiful flooring for your home, visit our website or contact us today for more information.
